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Government Communications During COVID-19
The Singapore government has been criticized for its poor and confusing communication of the country’s virus strategy. This has led to frustrations as the frequent changes, and complicated guidelines, have resulted in confusing signals that make it impossible for businesses to adjust their operations.
As a communicator, I believe the brickbats are warranted as the government has fared badly. However, this is not from a lack of trying or the endeavor to be as open and transparent as possible, but from operating with a communication strategy that worked well in a non-VUCA environment.
Government communications have always been premised on the need to be timely, precise, and comprehensive. When communicating policies these premises work well as the environment is stable. Singaporeans want to know why the policy is being implemented, who it will affect, what the policy is about, where and when it will apply, and how the government will implement it. Even exceptions, and under what conditions, need to be clearly communicated to help Singaporeans understand the policy.
Unfortunately, during a pandemic like COVID-19, the environment is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Applying the policy communication strategy — of…
